While there is a bit of a reliance on “the enemy” to explain bad behavior, Carpenter’s message is basically a hopeful one that emphasizes her concept of God’s love.
These moving narratives, offering firsthand perspectives from a racially diverse group of LGBTQ Christians and their families, will resonate with many.
A must for devotees of Sadhguru. This work will also be of interest to those trying to explore the complex topic of karma in a more conversational form. However, readers seeking an academic exploration of karma may want to consider other resources.
This cartographic chronicle of Christianity is an excellent, affordable resource for students of history, geography, and religion; both public and academic libraries will want to add it to their collections.
A well-written, passionate critique of the current state of the Catholic Church by one who, to a certain extent despite himself, still respects and admires it.
Citing research from scholars like N. T. Wright and Richard B. Hayes, this latest book by Keller will find an audience among experienced students of Christian theology, especially those interested in the practical application of biblical concepts.
This insightful book blends histories of religious belief, political change, and societal needs, to provide a coherent narrative outlining various undercurrents that shaped and ultimately determined predominant religious views. Highly recommended for readers interested in Islamic religious thought.
Jones’s pensive reflections will call into question readers’ unexamined notions about Islam and Christianity. A thoughtful approach to interfaith dialogue.
This book will appeal to readers of Louise Hay as well as those who enjoy simple, accessible affirmations to help cultivate self-healing. Combining positive psychology and spirituality, and quoting from influence leaders such as Pema Chodron, this moving book should find a broad audience.
An instructive and thought-provoking translation of the Gospels, and their historical context, that will interest a variety of readers, from students to scholars.
An important contribution to filling a major gap in Buddhist studies and a triumph in understanding Buddhism through a feminist lens. Recommended for academic libraries and scholars interested in religious or feminist studies.
This study of the use of the Bible at a critical time in the history of the United States can shed light on our own times, when the Bible is often used in a political tug-of-war.
Informed by spiritual sources and the thinking of some of the world’s foremost scientists, economists, and activists, Pope Francis offers tools for creating a better, more just world.
Han’s contribution to this overlooked aspect of the Asian American experience is an important one as it gives a voice to many invisible people in American society.
This insightful account will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about faith and war heroics, and those interested in saint making within the Catholic Church.
Simpson covers the study and practice of yoga in this comprehensive yet accessible text. By sharing what he has learned, and continues to learn, without prescribing a single, definitive approach, he welcomes readers to embrace the truth of yoga.
Those interested in scriptural interpretation, monotheistic religions, and interfaith dialog will find this book to be highly informative, well-researched, and relevant to contemporary culture.
This well-researched and well-written book offers a corrective to certain of the popular myths about race relations in the pre-Civil War South, and of postemancipation relations; it also has a good deal to teach us about race relations today.
Despite the lack of careful editing, especially in the African and Buddhism chapters, these generally nuanced, in-depth, and wide-ranging volumes should benefit postgraduates and general readers alike.
There is much food for thought here, perhaps too much for a text of just a little over a 100 pages (excluding appendixes), but the authors prove persuasive in their arguments for inclusivity and mutual respect.
A general but authentic overview of the Dalai Lama’s life that will appeal to those new to the topic, as well as vested scholars, for the work’s valuable archival material.
Mears herself almost disappears from view under all her accomplishments in this work that is clearly aimed at those immersed in the Evangelical ethos and may be difficult for nonreligious readers to grasp fully her influence on the character and culture of Evangelicalism.
An impressive scope and depth will make these volumes illuminating the interaction between religion and social structures valuable to students, academics, administrators, counselors, journalists, and other researchers in the field.
Wright delivers another readable apologia for the Christian faith. Recommended for those interested in growing or renewing their faith and for anyone looking for insights into our shared experience of a world that could and perhaps should be better.
An illuminating look at a work of one of our most intellectually inquisitive presidents that will appeal to Jefferson aficionados, as well as anyone interested in the history of American religion.
This fascinating and erudite account by Seeskin subtly argues for an Old Testament God concept that is far richer and more evocative than the limited vision of many philosophers. Readers interested in learning about biblical prophets will find much to uncover.
While drawing on Buddhist influences, this excellent complement to collections for the bereaved will be a comfort to those of many faiths experiencing grief.
Previously, Levine and Brettler have provided support for the idea that Christians and Jews should view the New Testament as Jewish literature. Here, they go a step further to argue that the scriptures that some call the Old Testament and others the Tanakh owe their meanings to the communities in which their interpretations have developed, effectively showing how the separate interpretations may never converge, but the integrity of each can be appreciated.
The recollections and questions here are sure to resonate with couples in similar situations of exploring the depths of different forms of spirituality. As with any good memoir, readers will feel as if they are in conversation with a good friend. Recommended for general readers on faith journeys.
Through introspection and the love of God and family, Rasmus transformed an otherwise dark time in her life into a blessing. The book is intended to help those who face similar challenges. A good read for those interested in a blend of self-help and Christian spirituality, and for those who enjoyed Jessica Kantrowitz’s The Long Night.
Brady's sensitivity to his grief and his varied background provides something for a wide audience. The book is both intensely personal and clear-eyed, unflinching yet hopeful.
A book that allows people to speak in their own words while reminding those in positions of privilege that their faith in action is a catalyst for change. This is a welcome addition for those who enjoy contemplative prayer collections that intersect with important topics such as social justice.
Fans of Salzberg’s Real Love podcast series and anyone seeking loving-kindness meditative guidance will appreciate these words on compassionate activism.
This is a well-researched, engrossing backstory of failed discovery from a noted scholar. Best suited for readers interested in biblical studies and papyrology.
This prolonged meditation on the God of love, written in a decidedly unpolemical manner, will appeal to those who have been hesitant to embrace Christianity because they misunderstand the role of the cross, as well as to those who are interested in hearing about the joy of being a Christian as explained by one whose life is dedicated to proclaiming the message of the God of love.
This academic work views privilege almost exclusively through the lens of social justice. Recommended for readers interested in historical roots of religious freedom.
Readers interested in interfaith dialog, and seeking to build bridges between divergent communities across race, religion, sexual orientation, and politics will find practical advice and good examples here.
An approachable introduction to a most familiar, yet profound biblical passage. The use of ancient material is one of the strengths of González’s exploration, allowing readers to gain a deeper appreciation of this simple prayer.
The book is a plea for love and understanding among all those interested in peace in the Holy Land. Isaac’s deepest wish is that the land be shared by all and that all treat their neighbor, understood broadly, as precious and worthy of love.
Similar in tone to Terence Lester’s I See You, this work will appeal to Christian readers seeking to make a change within their world. Recommended for all libraries.
This wonderfully written book packs a punch, and would be ideal for book clubs in a library or church setting. Eiland’s story will move readers and her urging to recognize the good in people is inspirational.
While Bruce Wilkinson’s The Prayer of Jabez provides a plan for seeking blessings from God, the prayer referenced in Payleitner’s work is more concerned about personal humility and relationship with God, and is highly recommended for serious readers of the Proverbs.
A compelling work showing the inner lives of those counseled by rabbinic authorities to keep their less-observant practices private while publicly keeping up the fiction of piety. For all interested in the intersection of faith and self-fulfillment.
Petrey writes beautifully, offering readers across a wide variety of academic fields, including religious studies and the history of sexuality, an elegant intellectual text that will please casual readers as well. Highly recommended.
Readers looking to reexamine their assumptions and beliefs will find much encouragement here, as will those seeking an excellent example of pastoral guidance. A beneficial resource for anyone moving from conservative to progressive Christian communities.
A broad range of readers will appreciate Guengerich’s concise blend of spirituality and self-help, with a bonus of poetry and contemplative quotes from his “First Light Meditations” guide.
Although there are similar, recently published books on the market, this should appeal to Christian readers, as Henderson’s genuine voice invites self-reflection.
Listeners of Shetty’s podcast will be familiar with his conversational tone, and his style adapts into an easy-to-read, approachable guide. Recommended for readers interested in mindfulness and self-exploration guides.
Readers interested in Christianity generally, as well as Christian theology, communication, and outreach, will find this an innovative and insightful offering.
Recommended for readers who enjoy Nadia Bolz-Weber, Anne Lamott, or Brian McClaren. A thought-provoking and inspiring memoir that reflects real-life frustrations and fears, while hope ultimately prevails in the end.
For readers with an interest and background in philosophy, theology, and popular culture who enjoy casual academic banter and a unique perspective on the evolving nature of contemporary U.S. society.
Recommended for anyone researching a topic within religious philosophy or exploring theism or atheism. Suitable for academic libraries and large public libraries.
This sincere, personal account will appeal to parents and church leaders interested in the intersection of social justice and religion. Recommended for all libraries.
These words are more meditations than action plans; however, the reflection questions as well as the resources for engagement are incredibly useful. Overall, this is a helpful primer to interfaith communication.
A light read, these pages are chock-full of optimism in the midst of difficult times, offering nondenominational, faith-infused guidance. A treat for loyal followers of Casper’s writings.
This readable account of an unlikely journey to Buddhism and finding freedom on death row should inspire readers on their own transformational journeys.
Kerby’s analysis of conservative evangelicals throughout American history would stand on its own without the emphasis on Washington, DC, but the capital uniquely concentrates the current dynamics, with the conversations encountered adding nuance to this powerful constituency.
While the narrative is somewhat tedious in places, this work should appeal to baseball enthusiasts who never previously considered the similarities between their beloved pastime and ancient Buddhist teachings.
Nikondeha combines a solid exegetical background with an expansive imagination that knits together themes of resistance and support. Any reader wishing to find the personal within universal themes will be well served.
Fabrycky’s book goes a long way toward explaining the lure and continuing importance of engaging with Bonhoeffer and his legacy. Recommended for seekers of spiritually uplifting works sprinkled with nuggets of worldly wisdom.
Adams is a keen observer of the difficult life stage of adolescence, and her words will provide support to young girls and all who work with this population.